Post by Woody Williams on Aug 8, 2006 8:07:00 GMT -5
Text for the Day -- Acts 8:1-8
----------
And Saul approved of their killing him.
That day a severe persecution began against the church in Jerusalem,
and all except the apostles were scattered throughout the countryside
of Judea and Samaria. Devout men buried Stephen and made loud
lamentation over him. But Saul was ravaging the church by entering
house after house; dragging off both men and women, he committed them
to prison.
Now those who were scattered went from place to place, proclaiming
the word. Philip went down to the city of Samaria and proclaimed the
Messiah to them. The crowds with one accord listened eagerly to what
was said by Philip, hearing and seeing the signs that he did, for
unclean spirits, crying with loud shrieks, came out of many who were
possessed; and many others who were paralysed or lame were cured. So
there was great joy in that city.
Devotional----------
Persecution often brings growth to the church, both in deepening
commitment and in numbers of believers.. This passage describes the
effects of persecution of the early Christians by Saul (Apostle
Paul). The Apostles were driven out of Jerusalem and scattered. But,
they did not forget their purpose. Where ever they went they preached
the Gospel and ministered to people in the love and power of the Holy
Spirit. Notice that the outcome of Philip's ministry was joy coming
to the city. Is that the outcome of your church's presence in the
community?
Prayer
-----------------
Lord, help me remain faithful to your call to me to bring joy in the
Gospel. Amen
----------
And Saul approved of their killing him.
That day a severe persecution began against the church in Jerusalem,
and all except the apostles were scattered throughout the countryside
of Judea and Samaria. Devout men buried Stephen and made loud
lamentation over him. But Saul was ravaging the church by entering
house after house; dragging off both men and women, he committed them
to prison.
Now those who were scattered went from place to place, proclaiming
the word. Philip went down to the city of Samaria and proclaimed the
Messiah to them. The crowds with one accord listened eagerly to what
was said by Philip, hearing and seeing the signs that he did, for
unclean spirits, crying with loud shrieks, came out of many who were
possessed; and many others who were paralysed or lame were cured. So
there was great joy in that city.
Devotional----------
Persecution often brings growth to the church, both in deepening
commitment and in numbers of believers.. This passage describes the
effects of persecution of the early Christians by Saul (Apostle
Paul). The Apostles were driven out of Jerusalem and scattered. But,
they did not forget their purpose. Where ever they went they preached
the Gospel and ministered to people in the love and power of the Holy
Spirit. Notice that the outcome of Philip's ministry was joy coming
to the city. Is that the outcome of your church's presence in the
community?
Prayer
-----------------
Lord, help me remain faithful to your call to me to bring joy in the
Gospel. Amen